Photo by: Jordan McQueen

Our Connection to Nature

Photo by: Jan Böke

When used mindfully, modern technology can make outdoor adventures and experiences more accessible.

Research suggests,we are spending less time outdoors than we have in the past.

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Photo by: Ales Krivec

Photo by: Annie Spratt

A Study shows, the amount of time children ages 9 to 12 spent participating in outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping and gardening has declined

50%1

Photo by: Marc-André Julien

There is a link between this decrease in outdoor activity and our current digital habits. 2

Photo by: Julian Fernandes

America is so hardwired to mobile devices that navigating society without one can be a serious challenge .

“

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– Brian Fung, The Washington Post”

Photo by: William Iven

Staying connected has become a stress inducing burden.

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Photo by: Tanner Vines

We keep ourselves available to be taken away from everything to focus on our devices.

This can make it difficult to fully enjoy our time in nature.

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Photo by: Leo Rivas-Micoud

There is overwhelming evidence that outdoor activity improves creativity, physical health, reduces stress, and increases overall happiness levels. 6

Photo by: Tim Gouw

Conversely, being too connected and readily available all the time has been linked to depression.

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Photo by: Steven Lewis

I had to writemy business school application essays, and I was having no luck spending an hour here and there after work and on the weekends... After spending a few days hiking in the Arctic by myself, I was able to get all of them done in just a few days.

“ ” 8

– Nick Pandolfii

Photo by: Annie Spratt

Often we aren’t aware of nature’s benefits, and parents don’t know how to tear their children away from the computer or television screen. 1

Photo by: Danielle MacInnes

We don’t have to choose between modern technology and our time spent outdoors. We can use technology to connect with nature and get children interested in their surroundings.

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Photo by: Luke Pamer

While technology can get in the way of our ability to experience nature, it can also enhance it. 9

Photo by: Time Gouw

I see that it’s importantto show kids that are consumed with technology that you can use it to connect to your environment, your place, your geography.

“ ” 10– Patricia Maloney, Project Learning Tree

Photo by: Luke Chesser

Areas where technology helps in the accessibility of outdoor adventure and recreation include:1.  Access & Transportation2.  Safety & Comfort3.  Communication4.  Information 11

Photo by: Cagatay Orhan

1. Access and transportation GPS-enabled devices help families track the topography of a landscape and keep from getting lost.

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Photo by: Gilles Lambert

2. Safety and Comfort Phones provide access to the 911 lifeline when rare emergencies occur in the outdoors, which offers piece of mind.

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Photo by: Cameron Kirby

3. Communication The cameras on our phones can draw us closer to nature, help us relive our outdoor experiences, and encourage us to repeat these adventures. It also allows us to share our experiences. 12

Photo by: Alex Holt

4. information There are various apps for identifying flora and fauna species, learn about wildlife calls, and become educated about historical sites within parks.

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Photo by: Rob Bye

Apps exist that allow us to track and document animal sightings, and see where others experienced wildlife activity.This encourages active, social online participation. 14

Photo by: Benjamin Child

Apps offer certain advantages over books when it comes to learning about nature.The ease of use and the sheer amount of information can satisfy curiosity quickly, and keep users engaged. 10

Photo by: Ian Schneider

Being online too often has proven to be harmful. However, when used appropriately, modern technology can be used to bring us closer to nature and help us indulge in its many health benefits.

Photo by: William Iven

References 1[1] Novotney, Amy. "Getting Back To The Great Outdoors". American Psychological Association. N.p., 2008. Web. 2 June 2016.

[2] Larson, Lincoln, Gary Green, and H.K. Cordell. "Children’S Time Outdoors: Results And Implications Of The National Kids Survey". Sagamore Publishing. Web. 2 June 2016.[3] Fung, Brian. "Why You Shouldn’T Confuse ‘Nomophobia’ With An Actual Addiction To Smartphones". Washington Post. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 June 2016.[4] Anderssen, Erin. "Digital Overload: How We Are Seduced By Distraction". The Globe and Mail. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.[5] Turkle, Sherry. "The Documented Life". The New York Times. N.p., 2013. Web. 2 June 2016. [6] Mercola,. "5 Reasons To Spend More Time Outside -- Even When It's Cold". Peak Fitness - Mercola. N.p., 2015. Web. 2 June 2016.[7] Konnikova, Maria. "How Facebook Makes Us Unhappy". The New Yorker. N.p., 2013. Web. 2 June 2016. [8] von Pfetten, Verena. "Read This Story Without Distraction (Can You?)". The New York Times. N.p., 2016. Web. 2 June 2016.

Photo by: William Iven

References 2 [9] Hall, Alena. "How Technology Can Help You Tune Back Into Nature". The Huffington Post. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.

[10] Rankin, Joe. "There's An App For That: Can Technology Reconnect Us To Nature?". Forests for Maine's Future. N.p., 2012. Web. 2 June 2016.

[11] Ewert, Alan and R Sibthorp. "Exerpt: Outdoor Adventure Education: Impacts Of Technology In Outdoor Recreation And Adventure". Human Kinetics. Web. 2 June 2016.

[12] Klasky, Ben. "Connecting With Nature? There’S An App For That". The Huffington Post. N.p., 2014. Web. 2 June 2016.

[13] Heimbuch, Jaymi. "How Technology Brings Us Closer Than Ever To Wildlife". TreeHugger. N.p., 2012. Web. 2 June 2016.

[14] Brigida, Danielle. "25+ Nature And Wildlife Mobile Apps". The National Wildlife Federation Blog. N.p., 2011. Web. 2 June 2016.

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